Staff turnover can slow or even halt the progress or completion of a project due to a variety of factors. Often, turnover results when there is no clear direction on the goals and objectives of a project, or team members feel unqualified to complete the tasks requested of them. Turnover can also result if a project is under-funded, under-supervised or if a group of participants does not have the knowledge and education necessary to successfully bring the project to completion.

1. Educate all team members on key elements of the project. Clearly define goals and objectives, as well as a time line and step-by-step direction on the individual roles and responsibilities of each team member. Each person working on the project should be aware of the organizational structure of the project team and be familiar with the tasks assigned to each individual. In the event of turnover, remaining team members will be aware of where various aspects of the project stand.

2. Place well-established, knowledgeable team members in key project roles. If turnover does occur, the project's chance for successful completion increases if seasoned and experienced employees are in lead roles.

3. Develop a policy whereby team members are required to keep daily journals charting the specifics of their individual involvement in a project. This should be as detailed as possible, with each person noting key contacts, specific computer file names and locations and project milestones. If turnover occurs, records should be detailed enough that another person can step into place and take up where the previous team member left off.

4. Document overall progress during each phase of a project, carefully noting who has been responsible for various project elements. Provide details on work that remains to be finished in particular areas. If turnover occurs, others will be better prepared to take up the slack.

5. Create a standing policy that any team member exiting a project provide a written and verbal status report of their contributions prior to leaving the project. While this can be challenging if an employee is terminated or quits unexpectedly, having this provision in place will still help with some elements of project turnover.

6. Create a clear back-up plan in the event turnover takes place during a project. This may include extending the project deadline, replacing missing team members, reducing the scope of the project or readjusting the budget to accommodate delays.

Tips

Make sure people on a project team work well together and have the background and knowledge to successfully complete the project. Don't select team members who are on the verge of taking personal or medical leave, going on vacation or retiring. Don't use people with a reputation for not pulling their share, or those with a bad attitude or performance issues. Any one of these factors can slow or even halt a project.

Give team members the appropriate resources necessary for successfully completing a project. This includes adequate time and funding. When employees feel they don't have the tools they need to handle a task, they may be more likely to bow out.

About the Author

Lisa McQuerrey has been a business writer since 1987. In 1994, she launched a full-service marketing and communications firm. McQuerrey's work has garnered awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the International Association of Business Communicators and the Associated Press. She is also the author of several nonfiction trade publications, and, in 2012, had her first young-adult novel published by Glass Page Books.